Know the Superpowers of Pistachios, Almonds, Cashews, and More for National Nut Day 2023

On October 21, National Nut Day is the ideal time to honor tree nuts, the hidden heroes of the snack industry. Tree nuts like walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, pistachios, and Brazil nuts carry a big punch when it comes to our health, in addition to their lovely texture and enticing tastes. Recent studies have shown that these little nutritional packets may provide a wide range of health advantages, including the prevention of cancer and improved heart health.

To prevent cancer

According to William Li, MD, PhD, of The Angiogenesis Foundation, eating tree nuts including almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, pistachios, and Brazil nuts may help prevent cancer. “Nuts contain cancer-fighting polyphenols that boost our immune systems to fight cancer, and they also have healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which can starve cancer by cutting off its blood supply.”

Nuts are a good source of polyphenols, a class of organic substances having antioxidant characteristics. These substances aid in the body’s fight against free radicals, lowering the chance of DNA deterioration and cellular mutations, which are often precursors to cancer. Polyphenols also aid the immune system’s capability to combat cancer cells.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are often seen in fatty fish, but they may also be found in certain nuts, such as walnuts. These beneficial fats have the ability to prevent angiogenesis, the formation of blood vessels that feed tumors. They may be able to halt the spread of cancer by doing this.

Heart Wellness

Nuts are heart-healthy superstars because they provide a variety of advantages for cardiovascular health, including:

Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids found in nuts may help decrease levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol. This in turn lowers the likelihood of artery plaque accumulation.

Magnesium and potassium, two minerals that are included in nuts, may help control blood pressure, hence enhancing heart health.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances found in nuts help to lower bodily inflammation, a major risk factor for heart disease.

Weight Control

Unexpectedly, nuts might help you control your weight. They are a great supplement to a balanced diet despite their relatively high calorie content:

Satiety: Nuts are high in fiber and good fats, which help you feel fuller for longer. Nuts are a healthy snack that might help you avoid overeating and consuming extra calories.

Increased Metabolism: According to certain research, eating nuts may increase your resting metabolism.

Bone Wellness

Nuts include important nutrients like calcium and magnesium that support the health and strength of our bones:

Almonds and hazelnuts are great providers of calcium, which is essential for strong bones.

Magnesium, which is necessary for bone density and general skeletal health, is present in cashew, pistachio, and Brazil nuts.

Powerhouses of nutrients

A wide variety of vitamins and minerals found in nuts are essential for good health overall.
Almonds, hazelnuts, and sunflower seeds are great providers of vitamin E, an antioxidant that guards against cell deterioration.

Brazil nuts are a good source of folate, which is necessary for the synthesis of DNA and the expansion of cells.

Selenium is a trace mineral that is particularly abundant in Brazil nuts and is crucial for immune system health.

Let’s honor the modest but potent tree nut on this National Nut Day. These delectable treats have several health advantages beyond simply flavor, including cancer prevention, heart health, weight loss, and bone health. A quick and enjoyable method to improve your general wellbeing is to include a variety of nuts in your diet. So make every day a celebration of health and energy by gathering a handful of your favorite nuts and indulging in their natural deliciousness.